Question

question:
when a bone breaks, the fragments and areas around the break must be broken down by other cells before new bone growth can occur. which cells break down old bone tissue?

answer options:
select one of four
osteoblasts
osteoclasts
osteocytes
marrow cells

Explanation:

To determine which cells break down old bone tissue, we analyze the functions of each option:

• Osteoblasts: These cells are responsible for forming new bone tissue, not breaking down old bone.
• Osteoclasts: These cells are specialized in the resorption (breakdown) of old or damaged bone tissue, which aligns with the process described in the question (breaking down fragments around a bone break before new growth).
• Osteocytes: These are mature bone cells that maintain bone tissue, not break it down.
• Marrow cells: Bone marrow cells are involved in blood cell production and other functions, not primarily in bone tissue breakdown.

Answer:

B. Osteoclasts